WEDDING NOTES™ - Ways to Manage Your Wedding Budget

You do have a budget established don't you?  If not - stop right now and seriously work on it.

Establishing a budget and sticking to it will help you organize, produce and deliver a wedding that is beautiful and yours.  On the offside chance that you've gone over that budget in some area (s) here are some tips from experts on places to trim those costs.

1. The guest list.  The number of people you invite to your wedding will contribute to a major component of expense - the cost per guest measure.  It is reflected in the cost of food, beverages, invitations, reception site and postage.  One way to control those costs is to carefully watch the number of "plus ones" you allow.  The basic rule is a simple one:  If couples aren't married, "plus ones" are optional invitees for the bride and groom.  The same rule should apply to the bridal party and guests.  If a member of the party or a relative has a long term significant other you may wish to make an exception to the rule but it should be done on a case-by-case basis.
   
2.  Feeding the band.   If your dream is to have a band play for your wedding dance in place of recorded music, one place you can save some green is in what to feed the band.  Yes,  not only will the band members be counting on grabbing a bite to eat before they play or something nourishing between sets - or both.  But you don't need to offer them the same sit down dinner you are serving your guests.  Ask your caterer to provide a less expensive (and easier to handle) alternative.  If you are holding your reception at a large facility with in house food service, order something from the standard menu to be served to band members before they play and include water/soft drinks for them during their play time.
   
3.  There is no rule that says you need to have an open bar for guests at your reception.  In fact, you can serve only beer, wine and punch or other non alcoholic beverage at your cocktails before dinner.  Some couples have a signature cocktail as an additional surprise for guests, but no open bar will save you beaucoup bucks.  Remember that it is your reception and if you don't want alcohol served, that's fine.  You get to decide what you'll serve.  Most experts will agree that having a cash bar is a definite no-no.  Guests are guests.  That means that they don't have to pay.